Nourish Mind, Body and Spirit
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki (Rei: Spirit / universal - Ki: Life force energy) is a Japanese non-invasive, holistic, energy healing therapy, that works with universal energy to support balance of the mind, body and spirit. It may be experienced in-person (ideally sitting on a chair or laying on a treatment bed), or from a distance, with the same intention of supporting overall well-being.
Reiki is received while resting in a calm environment, allowing the body and mind to settle into a deeply relaxed state. Modern life places demands on us, and stress can show up in countless ways, be it low mood, emotional overwhelm, fatigue, lack of direction, creative blocks, physical discomfort, or disrupted sleep. Reiki offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect. Its gentle nature supports the release of energetic tension, encouraging a sense of ease and renewed flow on both mental and physical levels.
For many, Reiki also becomes a companion on their spiritual path. At times, we may question ourselves and everything around us, as we transition to being more spiritually aware and connected to our highest self. As awareness deepens, it is natural to reflect on life, purpose, and personal growth. Experiences during and after a session can feel subtle or profound, often bringing insight, nourishment, and a greater sense of alignment.
A treatment can feel like a wonderful, glowing radiance that flows through and around you, supporting the journey of self-discovery and inner balance.
THE THREE PIONEERS OF REIKI
Although Reiki has been shaped by many practitioners over time, its early foundations are most commonly associated with three key figures. Mikao Usui, Chujiro Hayashi, and Hawayo Takata are widely recognised for their roles in establishing, refining, and sharing Reiki in ways that allowed it to endure and spread beyond Japan.
Through their dedication and teaching, Reiki was preserved during its formative years and carried forward into the wider world. The Reiki community remains deeply appreciative of their contribution to the practice as it's known today.
While the Usui - Hayashi - Takata line forms the foundation for most Western Reiki lineages, in Japan Reiki continued through multiple students and teachers, reflecting a wider diversity of practice.
Reiki was founded by Sensei Mikao Usui (1865-1926) in the early 20th century. Born in Taniai, Gifu, Japan, he was a student of Buddhism from the age of four years old and throughout his life, he studied and practised many healing techniques and martial arts practices, but also as an adult, held many different jobs, including being a secretary for the Mayor of Tokyo!
There are many versions of how Mikao Usui founded Reiki, most likely because within Japanese culture it was practice to protect such sacred information, but also due to historical events (i.e war, political change).
However one of the more recent stories (1990's) was that he was encouraged by his Buddhist teacher to undergo a 21 day meditation and fast on Mount Kurama, to reach enlightenment (or death). The story continued that on the last day of his 21 day fast, he was struck by Reiki, enlightenment to allow him to discover his healing abilities and share this with others.
Reiki has been practised and taught as a healing system in the West since the late 1930s. Reiki Practitioners can trace their spiritual lineage to a trail back to Mikao Usui and have been attuned by their respective Teacher.
MIKAO USUI
CHUJIRO HAYASHI
Chujiro Hayashi (1880 -1940), originally a Japanese naval officer, became a dedicated student of Mikao Usui, and devoted his life to developing Reiki as a practical healing method.
After completing his training, Sensei Hayashi opened a clinic in Tokyo where he worked with a team of practitioners, creating a more structured approach, and brought a sense of order, observation, and responsibility into his work, whilst keeping the intuitive, meditative aspects of Reiki alive.
He designed specific hand positions that guided students through sessions, making the practice easier to learn without losing its spiritual depth. Sensei Hayashi mentored many students, including Hawayo Takata (below).
He helped Reiki move beyond Japan and become accessible to people around the world. His careful balance of discipline and care left a lasting mark on the way Reiki is practised today, allowing Reiki to be passed on with integrity and continuity.
Hawayo Takata (1900 - 1980) was instrumental in bringing Reiki to the Western world. Born in Hawaii to Japanese parents. she travelled to Japan in the 1930s while experiencing significant health challenges. During her time there, she received Reiki treatments at Chijiro Hayashi's clinic, where she experienced profound personal beefit. This lead her to study Reiki in more depth under Hayashi's guidance, becoming one of his dedicated student.
After completing her training, Takata returned to Hawaii and began sharing reiki through the hands-on practice and teaching. She introduced Reiki to people who had little familiarity with Japanese spiritual traditions, adapting her explanations so the practice could be understood within a Western cultural context. While her teaching style evolved to meet her audience, the essence of Reiki remained rooted in what she had learned in Japan.
Through decades of teaching, Takata trained practitioners and Masters who would go to spread Reiki internationally. Her determination and commitment ensured that Reiki survived beyond a small circle of practitioners and became accessible across continents. Today the vast majority of Western Reiki lineages trace their roots back to her work, reflecting the lasting impact of her role in Reiki's global journey.
HAWAYO TAKATA
GOKAI: THE FIVE REIKI PRINCIPLES
The five Reiki principles / precepts, were created by Sensei Mikao Usui. in Japanese, for his students to follow and integrate in their daily life and their spiritual path:
Just for today, do not anger, do not worry, be grateful, work honestly, be kind to others.
They were the foundation of his teachings, adapted from a similar code used in the Tendai Buddhist sect of Shugendo from the 9th century. The principles work alongside Reiki practice, not instead of it, and variations have developed over time, shaped by culture and teaching lineages. However, the intent remains true to the original guidance..
They were created for students to reflect upon and chant daily, to promote health and happiness. Anyone may embrace this code of practice, not just Reiki Practitioners, citing the precepts each day, just as you would with affirmations or mantras.
At their heart, they are a mindfulness practice, helping us stay present, encourage
self-compassion rather than self judgement.
Image source: 'Reiki For Life' by Penelope Quest
